Thousands flocked to Mall of Asia Arena to support the NU Bulldogs for their first round closer against Ateneo in UAAP Season 87.
Usually goofy and typically composed, Jeff Napa found himself tearing up as he reflected on the ongoing support of the NU community amid struggles by the Bulldogs in UAAP Season 87.
After a third place finish last year, the Bulldogs find themselves in the bottom half of the standings this season, finishing with a 2-5 slate after the first round.
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But even then, as NU had to buck a 4-game long losing skid with a win against Ateneo, their fans continued to show up. The support was particularly evident in their game against the Blue Eagles on Saturday as thousands of fans flocked to MOA Arena in support of NU.
NU MOA sent over 1,350 students to cheer on the Bulldogs as they powered past the free-falling Blue Eagles, 78-68, to end their first round on a positive note.
Seeing their community present despite the struggles, Napa couldn’t help but get emotional.
“Syempre boost ng morale… Syempre kumbaga as true-blooded Nationalian talaga, syempre we're proud na despite na medyo struggling kami, nandyan pa rin sila,” said Napa who needed a moment to collect himself.
“Nandyan pa rin kayo na naniniwala kumbaga. Pinaiyak niyo ko ah,” he then added with a chuckle.
The pressure was mounting on Napa and the rest of the Bulldogs as they struggled to get things going in the first round. Their campaign became significantly difficult as Mo Diassana was declared out of the season just after their first game due to injury.
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After making things difficult for La Salle in their opener, it was essentially an uphill battle for the Bulldogs since.
Still, getting their second win of the year proved to be a nice momentum boost heading into the latter half of the season.
Though getting tested game in and game out, Napa knows that his players have what it takes to make things difficult for any team this season.
“Yung character kasi nandyan na eh, na instill na sa kanila yan eh, hindi na mababago yung character yung pagiging winner nila talaga eh although hindi lang napupunta samin yung favor nung mga crucial games pero yung foundation na ginawa namin sa NU, nandun na eh, na-build na namin,” said Napa.
“It just so happen talaga na nagkaroon ng freak accident, di naman namin sadya na first game pa lang mawawala kami ng FSA pero yung characters ng mga players ko kahit despite big loss, yung mindset pa rin nila is to compete, perform, hindi para gawing excuse kung ano man yung nangyari,” he added.
Heading into a one-week break before action resumes for the second round, Napa and the rest of the Bulldogs will look to return to a kinder second round where the efforts of their players could hopefully translate into more wins.